Streamside lands are among the most important remaining natural habitats in the nation. Streamside forests and grasslands protect water quality, slow soil runoff, reduce flooding, and provide excellent fish and wildlife habitat. Lush streamside vegetation provides food, shelter, nursery areas, and travel corridors for migratory birds and wildlife. Streamside trees and grasses keep water temperatures cool, and they supply insects and other food for fish, crayfish, snails, salamanders, and freshwater mussels. Streamside plants filter out excess nutrients (such as phosphorus and nitrogen) and harmful substances (such as livestock wastes, soil, acids, pesticides, and sediments).
In our cities, parks along waterways are popular open spaces, extensively used for fishing, picnicking, hiking, wildlife watching, and family outings.
House construction, land development, and water pollution continue to threaten our streams. Good farming practices such as leaving a natural buffer strip and fencing livestock help protect aquatic life and water quality. Americans belive that protecting rivers and streams for future generations is a high priority. What can you do? Adopt your local stream, become a stream watcher, and protect your streamside lands.
Executive Producer/Writer: Louis A. Helfrich, Virginia Tech
Writer/Producer/Narrator: Paul Lancaster, Virginia Tech
Technical Advisors: Richard J. Neves, U.S. Geological Survey, Richard Biggins, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Video Cover Designer: Tim FisherPoff
Videographer: Gary Whiting, Jason Hutchens